Teen Takes 80-Year-Old Grandfather To His First Prom [Video]

Joy Webb wanted to take someone very special to her one-and-only prom. After all, it’s the highlight of a student’s year and an event with memories to be recalled for a lifetime. So she decided to ask her beloved grandfather, affectionately called “Poppa,” to the event, according to WSB-TV, Channel 2 Atlanta. A junior at Albertville High School in Albertville, Alabama, she decided that she did not want to attend the dance with another student, but would ask her grandfather instead.

“My family is everything to me, and I love him so much, and it’s just like really special to me because I know not many people get to do that. I know he loves me and I love him, and it’s just really neat and special.”

Joy’s grandfather’s name is James Drain and he stated that his granddaughter told him directly that she wanted to have him as her prom date, saying she worded her “promposal” as follows. “You’re the one I wanted! Hey, will you come to the prom with me and be my beau?” And he happily responded, “I sure will!”

Drain is 80 years old and never had the opportunity to attend a prom in his eight decades of life, although he wished he had the opportunity to do so. Life had other plans. He dropped out of school to join the Navy and fought in the Korean War, according to People. He never had the opportunity to wear a tuxedo to an event, so when Webb saw her “Poppa” in his prom duds, she was taken aback. Joy said the following regarding why she decided on her date, according to the Daily Mail.

“I think prom is kind of a big thing for everybody. Most everybody remembers going to their prom and I wanted him to have that experience too.”

Before heading off to the big event, the two exchanged the following banter, obviously enchanted by each other. Drain, with enthusiasm, piped up, “I can’t wait, can you?” And Webb enthusiastically replied,”No, I can’t wait either. I’m so excited. You look so handsome.”

The perfect date began with a Cinderella-esque carriage ride. Then, at the dance, Drain still had the moves. He and his wife used to go dancing until she passed away two years ago. He still dances at a senior center.

One of the last couples to leave the dance, they boogied to oldies by Elvis Presley and Chubby Checker. Their magical enchanted evening continued until the lights were turned on. Webb noted that she had the best time with her grandfather and was happy that he was her date on this night to remember.

Proms are such special events that call for extraordinary treatment. According to an unrelated article in the Inquisitr, 18-year-old Hannah Tate had a rare form of kidney cancer and spent most of her senior year at St. Jude Regional Children’s Hospital, instead of attending Alcoa High School, Tennessee. She spent the time battling cancer, receiving chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries The chemo led to the loss of her hair. It led her to request a wig from celebrity stylist Tokyo Stylez on Instagram. He surprised her with a total makeover for her prom.